More-than-human empathy in the veterinary clinic: people experiencing homelessness and their companion dogs
Year: 2025
Type: conference-paper
Abstract: Background Around one in ten to one in twenty people experiencing homelessness have a dog. Their dog may be the most significant other in that person's life. Studies have shown that these dogs are generally happy and healthy. However, owning a dog can be a barrier to accessing homelessness services, including accommodation and healthcare. Consequently, many sleep rough for fear of losing their companion. The erasure of an individual’s relationship with their dog, via exclusionary rules and regulations, is not empathic. Methods For 15 years, a veterinary outreach service in Edinburgh has worked with people experiencing homelessness and their companion animals, collaborating with local social and medical services. While much practical experience has been gained, there has been limited research.Interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) was used to survey service providers, both medical and veterinary, as well service users. The topic of ‘joint provision of animal and human healthcare’ was used as a means of exploring relevant issues through a One Health lens. Findings While practical and ethical problems exist for joint health-care delivery, the study also raised questions about empathic veterinary and medical practice. Dog owners experiencing homelessness often fall between support systems and encounter multiple prejudices, including not being seen as ‘responsible dog owners’. Discussion This study and the wider practice from which it is drawn reveal the need for an empathic approach to veterinary services ‘at the periphery’ and a rethinking of the ‘responsibility’ trope in relation to companion dogs. The teaching of contextual care to student veterinarians through service learning will allow trainees to understand the value and depth of the human-animal bond and see first-handhow animal and human health and well-being are linked. Further qualitative research is required.
Authors: Sullivan, Rebekah, Gardiner, Andrew; id_orcid 0000-0002-6468-0514, Cousquer, Glen; id_orcid 0009-0009-2098-6819
Language: English
Subfield: Genetics
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7115281820
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